Page 4 of Beautifully Wild

“This is why we need to talk about our holiday,” I say to Yasmine. “We need to be sensible and have group rules. We can’t be going to an exotic part of the world where crime is high and think it won’t happen to us.”

“Bree will have it covered,” Yasmine says as though she’s undeterred. “We need to talk about what we want out of this holiday because we all have different needs.”

“Men,” Amy blurts out and sits forward in her seat as though we’re now discussing a topic that interests her. “Those gorgeous Brazilian men. I want to know if there’s any truth in the stories.”

God, did she just wink? “Seriously?” I roll my eyes, yet I’m not surprised. “You can get laid anywhere, Ames. Don’t you want to visit the old churches and see the architecture of another culture?”

She shrugs her shoulders. “I’m not objecting to those things. I’ll go with you if that’s what you want, but I also want the party. You can’t go to Rio and be like, ‘the architecture is wonderful, darling.’” She says the last few words in a high voice and as if she has the olive from her empty martini glass in her mouth.

“I wouldn’t say it like that.”

“This is good. We’re talking,” Yasmine adds. “I want it to be a spiritual journey. Come back wiser and stronger for it.”

My phone rings, and I glance down at the screen.

Bree.

I swipe the screen and press speaker. “Hey. You called at a good time. We’re all here at The Shores.”

“Drinking medicinal bubbles,” Amy adds with a smile.

“Hey, girlfriend,” Yasmine pipes in. “We’re talking about the holiday. I think we need to consider what’s important to each of us so we can cater to everyone’s needs.”

“Good point,” she says in a serious tone. “I’ve been thinking about our first-aid kit and collecting items from the hospital.”

“Bree, are you stealing from your workplace?” Amy teases.

“No. I’m paying for everything.”

Amy grins, well aware Bree would never do anything dishonest. “How’s Sydney?”

“I wouldn’t know. All I do is work and study.”

“That sucks,” Amy groans.

“It’s why I can’t wait to get away. Are your vaccinations up to date?”

“I have one more,” I say. “When you get a break, text the group what’s important to you in case we need to make any last-minute amendments to some tours.”

“Honestly, I’m so exhausted I’m happy to lay on a beach and drink cocktails, so long as we’re safe.”

“Safety is your priority,” I conclude.

“Absolutely. Sorry, I have to get back to the ward. I’m so jealous of you all there, together. Have a drink for me.”

“Bye, Bree,” we all say in unison.

“Talking about safety, my father is giving me a hard time about staying safe.”

Amy’s eyes round. “Seriously, when is he going to treat you like an adult?”

“He does treat her like an adult. It’s obvious he has trust issues,” Yasmine adds.

“Yet he’s not like this with Faith and Will.” I shake my head. I have never done anything for him not to trust me.

“For fuck’s sake, it goes further than that. He’s pissed you split up with that dickhead. In his eyes, you and Ethan were meant to be together, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he believes you’ll get back with him.”

“Not going to happen,” I say firmly. “Although his behavior of late has nothing to do with Ethan. He’s worried about the jungle, of all the places.”

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